Entered CNET Catalog: 05/16/2002
SKU: CNETDIGITAL8
Manufacturer: ABS Computer
Product summary
The good: Fast; excellent speakers; cool-looking case.
The bad: No weekend support; onsite service is optional.
The bottom line: The ABS Digital 8 offers leading-edge performance and features at a low price but with limited standard support.
Average user rating: from 25 users
2.5 stars
CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: Yes
- Reviewed on: 10/03/2002
State of the art
The Digital 8 comes packed with up-to-the-minute features. These include a 2.4GHz Pentium 4 with a 533MHz frontside bus, 512MB of PC1066 RDRAM, a 100GB hard drive with an 8MB buffer, both DVD-ROM and CD-RW drives (the latter is a 40X unit), and a 128MB GeForce4 Ti 4200 graphics card.
As you'd expect with this configuration, the Digital 8 gets top marks in our Dell Dimension 8000 series. The Digital 8's fast 223.3fps (frames per second ) in Quake 3 is also pretty good for its class. However, on application tests, the system manages only a slim 4 to 6 percent lead over the 2.4GHz DDR SDRAM-based Falcon Northwest Mach V, so the extra gigahertz may not be necessary if your budget's tight.
Add style and sound to speed
If its performance and configuration don't grab you, the case and the peripherals will. Granted, brushed aluminum is becoming old hat. But ABS's version, with a clear acrylic side panel, looks like an electronic fish tank. It might even be small enough to share space on your desk with the 19-inch ViewSonic PF790 display. The monitor's 0.25mm dot pitch and flat screen present an excellent canvas for 2D and 3D graphics, as well as video. But you'll also need to find space for the 5700-series Creative Inspire 5.1 speakers, a six-piece Dolby Digital set that also includes an external control box. You can tuck the 30-watt subwoofer out of sight, but the 21-watt center channel and the four 7-watt satellites deserve thoughtful placement for optimal sound. They're a perfect match for the Sound Blaster Audigy card, which includes a rear FireWire port for video capture. ABS even bundles Corel WordPerfect Office 2002 and Norton AntiVirus, so you can use your PC for more than gaming and watching movies.
A few holes in support
ABS's standard support policies are pretty good, but they're designed more for experts than for novices. The three-year parts and labor warranty is very good, but onsite service costs extra: one year for $29. Phone support, while toll-free, is available only during business hours, Pacific Time. If you're used to tinkering with your own systems, you may not mind the few holes in the support policy, but anyone who wants or needs extra help may want to buy from a company that provides more comprehensive services.
| Performance test 100=performance of a test machine with a PIII-800 processor, an Intel 815EEA motherboard chipset, 128MB of 133MHz SDRAM, a GeForce2 with 32MB DDR, ATA/100 hard drive, Windows 2000 with Service Pack 1, and Windows' display properties set to 1,024x768 and 16-bit color at 75Hz Longer bars indicate better performance
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| Quake III Arena test Longer bars indicate better performance | ||||||
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| MadOnion's 3DMark2001 Pro test Measured in frames per second (longer bars indicate better performance)
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ABS Digital 8 Windows XP Home; Pentium 4 2.53GHz; 512MB RDRAM 800MHz; 128MB Nvidia GeForce4 Ti 4600; WDC WD1000JB-32CWE0 120GB 7,200rpm Dell Dimension 8200 Windows XP Home; Pentium 4 2.53GHz; 256MB RDRAM 800MHz; 128MB Nvidia GeForce4 Ti 4600; WDC WD1200JB 120GB 7,200rpm Falcon Northwest Mach V Windows XP Home; Pentium 4 2.4GHz; 1GB DDR SDRAM 266MHz; Nvidia GeForce4 Ti 4600 128MB; 2X IBM IC35L040AVVA07 40GB 7,200rpm Good performance is a given with top-of-the-line components, and the Digital 8 gets top marks throughout our benchmark tests. As expected, this system ties with similarly priced PCs such as the Dell Dimension 8000 series. However, on application tests, the Digital 8 manages only a slim 4 to 6 percent lead over the 2.4GHz DDR SDRAM-based Falcon Northwest Mach V, so the extra gigahertz may not be necessary if your budget's tight. |
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 User Rating: 
1/10
Bad Service
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Review: This company has no service. Call tech support and you will find out. Also, check them out on BBB, they have a very bad track record. Buyers beware
User Rating: 
8/10
GREAT SYSTEM (but...)
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Review: I am very happy with this system. It more than handles any game I am playing (doesn't even blink at Battlefield 1942) and is amazingly fast. I couldn't be happier. My one gripe was day 1 of the purchase. ABS put this hard plastic cover over the front of the machine - screwed into the computer as a type of protection. Once I pushed the on button, I realized the on button was stuck. To make a long story short, I had to take the hard plastic cover off because the hole for the silver on button and the on button did not fit!! (it also pulled out the wire connection for the on button) I couldn't believe it. Wasn't this something that could have been checked by the builder? Why on earth was that overlooked? I have since taken the cover off (and yes, it was easily fixable) but for the amount of cash I just laid down, isn't that something that should EXPECT to be done? It kind of worries me what other things might have been overlooked if I had someone trying to shove a square block through a round circle. Other than that, I am very happy with my system. It is very fast. It just kind of worries me what kind of overlooked troubles are on their way when something simple like a round button not fitting in a hole occurs. Hopefully, nothing will happen. Maybe mine is an isolated case. But that overlooked part probably wasn't.
User Rating: 
9/10
Great bang for buck
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Review: I bought and set up one of these for a friend, it arrived DOA, but they gave us a RMA, they paid to have it overnighted back and we got new one in 3 days. System screams.It is one of the few that gives total control over all components. As to Newegg and nutrend being a minus for them, I totally disagree, those are quality companies (especially new egg) that I have used many times.
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10/10
Best Computer ever
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Review: I have had an ABS for 1 year and its the best computer i ever had. I suggest that everyone who is looking at buying a computer get an ABS.
User Rating: 10/10
GREAT PRICES even after high-end customization
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Review: After customizing the system to have all the parts I wanted, the price came out to about 600 dollars less than the exact same specs when buying those specs on a customized area-51 desktop from alienware. 600 dollars is alot of leeway to spend on extra upgrades or just to save. Similar prices were found in other internet pc sale businesses, dell, ibuypower, velocity micro, polywell, yadda yadda, abspc offers prices that I found unbeatable
User Rating: 9/10
Totally Cool and Super Fast
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Review: I've never had a custom configured top-end PC up and running "out of the box" as easily and as fast as this one in my life. But there's a first time for everything. And once I fired it up, I never wanted to shut it down. When I had an early problem with delivery, support was excellent as well. Tip: Be sure to get a big hi-rez monitor. I'm using the Samsung SyncMaster 210T but wish I could have sprung for the 240T
User Rating: 
7/10
Solid System, Extremely Good Buy
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Review: Like EVERY review says, if you know nothing about computers do not buy a computer from ABS, or Cyberpower(horrible on phone) or anyone that isn't Dell, HP, Gateway.... This machine is the best I've seen, just like every piece of technology something can go wrong people... They do offer toll-free support, even if it is a pain to wait through and on restricted time frames. For $29 get the on-site service.... You can't go wrong here.... I just configured an extremely sick PC probably comparable to this one based off the Awesome 3120. Simply great value.
User Rating: 8/10
Fairly priced for extraordinary performance
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Review: Components are top quality, and the system integrators do know what they are doing. Of course, it isn't cheap, but incredibly enough other computer builders charge far more for comparable top of the line machines. Performance is outstanding. They do leave it to the buyer to install application software, which I prefer to do slowly, so I see how the system evolves and behaves after each new bit of software gluttony is loaded. Recovery CDs included, as they should be (learn a lesson from this, HP -- I was almost going to buy an HP until I heard of their new no-CD practice). ABS organizes docs and CDs nicely, and needless to say, it all ran smoothly out of the box. ABS also threw in a few surprise free games and goodies. Tech support not tested. Sales support was very polite and helpful when I reported that the monitor was missing its manuals and power cord, but it did take them a week to figure out that they could not do the logical thing and send me a replacement. Instead it will have to be sent by the monitor manufacturer, Samsung.
User Rating: 
3/10
Very Deceiving
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Review: I bought a computer from ABS and it was broken right out of the box. I called right away and had to hold for over 30 minutes just to get someone on the phone. Then, the support person doesn't seem to know his stuff and he had me pretty much taken the whole computer apart and still doesn't work. I then request for a new system send to me while I send this one back. He refuses by saying that I have to send this one back before I get a new one. This is not right. Why should I suffer for a mistake made by them. I decided to return the machine and I have not seen my refund yet on my credit card bill. I have also filed a complaint through BBB and found that this company does this regularly. One thing, I also found out that ABS doesn't just do business under this name. They are also Nutrend and Newegg. So, everyone be careful before you purchase from these companies.
User Rating: 8/10
The best components at the most competitive price
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Review: I just purchased an ABS about 3 weeks ago and I am very very happy. Where else can you get P4 2.4, 1Ghz Ram, Geforce 4 TI 4600, 200 gig WD hardives, Soundblaster Audigy Gamer, 19' monitor, DVD and plextor CD-RW, all for under 3340 (2460 with shipping). I love the way they organised all the various hardware manuals into this neatly ordered folder. I won 't even bore you with how fast this machine is. I gave support a 3 as I know its not 24/7 plus I haven't had a problem with the machine. This is the first ABS computer that I bought but it certainly won't be the last.
User Rating: 9/10
Amazing Performance and Very Competitive Price
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Review: After just recieving my system this last week, I am more than impressed. I toned down the proc to a 2.4 GHz P4 with the 533 FSB after reading online reviews stating that there was less than a 1 percent performance increase, and the price difference was over $250. The PC1066 RAMBUS is amazingly fast, the hard drive is wonderful, and the video card runs games like a dream. Definitely the best system (for its time) ive ever bought, and I've had Dells, Compaqs, and Toshibas. BRAVO!
User Rating: 8/10
Best for the Buck in Speed
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Review: This company has the best site for total discription, pictures and links for every part in these systems. It leaves no doubt of exactly what you are getting in a system. They have a good group of each accessary to pick from. I have reviewed all computer sites for months and they are indeed the best for the buck in performance systems. I just bought the Digital 8 with every upgrade.
User Rating: 3/10
Expensive and bad support
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Review: This machine is way too expensive with it ordinary components and its lousy service and support. If I want to dish out this much money, I can get a Dell, Gateway or an Alieanware and receive far superior service and supports. If I don't mind the same lousy service and support, I could've gotten this machine for about $700 to $1000 cheaper at places like Cyberpower, Cybertron or Atlas. This poor machine has priced itself out of its intended market. Besides, judging from its records at BBB, I wouldn't bet my money on this company when I needed help.
User Rating: 1/10
Self-serving postings
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Review: Man, just read these postings. Most of the positive ones seem to be written by the same person. They even have the same grammatical mistakes. This is just not right.
User Rating: 
2/10
What pay more for less
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Review: This computer is way too expensive. It offers top of the line peformance like any other computer company, but at a premium price. For the same amount, I can get an Alienware for much more features than this. Besides, its service is not very good. Its like buying a Mercedes and getting a Yugo service. That's not what a person want after spending nearly 3 grand. I would not pay for it.
User Rating: 
5/10
Funny
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Review: Some poster contended that it was other companie's employee posting negative comments. I found that to be very funny, because it just as well that the postive comments are posted by the company in questioned (In this case, it would be ABS). I am not saying that ABS is doing this, but, if anyone would point out one side of the story, someone should also point out the exact opposit side of the story.
User Rating: 1/10
Not a trustworthy company
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Review: I bought another ABS system last year. It worked great until it failed. Hard Drive went bad within the first month. It took me more than 45 minutes on hold to get a technician and I was told that it was more than 30 days so I had to remove it, send it and pay for shipping to them. It took another 3 weeks before I receive the replacement and I had to do all the work myself in installing everything. I did all the work and all they did wasto get an empty drive, wrap it and send it to me. Oh, by the way, they apparently do business as Nutrend too. I found that out because the technician had asked me which company did I buy the computer from? This is just not acceptable. I found out the hard way that this is not a company that cares about their customer. Apparently, I am not alone. As I went to the Better Business Bureau?s website to file a complaint, I found out that what had happened to me is just a common practice to this company. One of the reader commented about only people dissatisfied comments. Well, you can check out BBB's website and decide yourself.
User Rating: 8/10
Someone is mistaken
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Review: One person comments that you can get similar features much cheaper at FTIcomputer. I invite you all to do some direct comparisons for yourselves. I just configured a Top Shelf Athlon XP Gaming System on both websites and ABS COMPUTERS won $1509 compared to $1849. (ABS Awesome 3200 vs. FTIKT-266GU) That is $340 cheaper than FTIcomputers. In addition ABS uses only name brand components like Plextor CDRW, Maxtor and Western Digital hard drives and Pioneer DVD drives,Hitachi and Viewsonic monitors.They also offer more configuration choices than most vendors, all quality components.I got to choose from 6 different cases and 4 different motherboards compared to the FTI system (1 case and 1 motherboard). FTI fails to specify exactly what brand you are getting in many areas and gives you only one choice(Thiers!)in many others.I am ordering my 2nd computer from ABS(the Awesome 3200). My Father and 4 other people I know have ABS systems for over a year and are very happy with them. The few problems that have arisen were all resolved according to ABS published policies and to the satisfaction of the customers. I am not putting down FTI, I am just trying to set the record straight about a company that has done a good job for me and for five other people I personally know. A wise shopper will visit many websites and compare prices and services before buying. I ordered my 1st system from Dell and the whole experience there was so bad I will Never do business with Dell again.They sent me a topshelf system that refused to boot right out of the box, and thier vaunted customer service was the WORST I have ever experienced from ANY company over my 42 years of life.I know some others have good experiences with them, but I HATE dell! Someone else states that the cost of the components is much cheaper than ABS prices. Duh! If you have the time and ability to do so of course you can build it cheaper yourself. Most people can't or won't and the question then is where can I get the best value on a system that comes ready to use! ABS doesn't offer 24 hour support, but I have had no problems accessing support during thier published hours. Leave them a message if you don't get through immediately and they will definitely call you back. I would much rather have good customer service available over limited hours(like ABS) than profanely dismal customer service available 24 hours a day like Dell. But that's just me. Good Luck with whatever you have and whatever you buy!
User Rating: 8/10
Excellent Performance, but expensive
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Review: Currently offers top of the line performance, but at quite a price. However, if you've got the cash, this are among the best computer specs you can find right now.
User Rating: 1/10
Read befor you buy
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Review: Repost from www.bbb.org A B S Computer Technologies -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This Report was developed from various sources, including the business, governmental agencies, and the experience of the company's customers. For further information contact the Better Business Bureau of the Southland 315 N. La Cadena, Colton, CA, 92324 (909) 825-7280 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A B S Computer Technologies 9997 Rose Hills Road Whittier CA 90601-1701 Business Started: 04/15/90 File Open Date: 09/18/92 Last Report Date: 09/17/01 Principal Contact: Fred Chang Phone: (562) 695-8823 Fax: (562) 695-8923 EMail: Not Available Web Address: http://www.buyabs.com Bureau ID: 92002302 Member Status: Member Join Date: 09/22/92 Nature of Business This company's business is a computer manufacturer and retailer. Bureau File Experience Complaints generally allege dissatisfaction with product quality, difficulty obtaining technical support, and difficulty obtaining refunds. Some complainants reported re-stocking charges were assessed and deducted from their refund amount without being previously advised of the non-refundable policy. The company responded by offering explanations, providing technical support, making adjustments or providing refunds. A number of complaints remain unresolved, meaning customers were not satisfied with the company's response. According to some complaints, deductions are made for open software, in spite of the fact that this is not disclosed. One complaint alleges it is impossible to test the CD Rom without opening this software. Some confusion exists over the lifetime labor clause. This refers to labor provided by the company on units returned for repair. Reliability reports do not consider the volume of business in relationship to the number of complaints. The BBB does not endorse, recommend or disapprove of any product, service or company. With all these problems, would you still buy a computer from them? I don't think so.
User Rating: 5/10
Wait Til XP SP1
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Review: Better off to hold on buying new PC. Til the Win XP SP1 comes out. Would be less hassle.
User Rating: 5/10
Far Too Expensive
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Review: People are a whole lot smarter nowadays. This system can be built for close to a GRAND less at FTIComputer.com The companies should stop embarrasing themselves with such high prices.
User Rating: 8/10
Best PC out there
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Review: It not only is very kewl outside, but also very kewl inside. The fastest proccesor to date and everything else is as good as it gets. A 12 bay tower! Wow, if I had the money, I would buy this in a heartbeat.
User Rating: 1/10
Way too expensive
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Review: This is way too expensive for an electronic fish tank. This is supposed to be a computer after all, remember?
User Rating: 8/10
CHEAP AND PERFORMANCE
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Review: Ok, where else can you get all this stuff for less than 2,500. Sites like Dell, Alienware, Falcon NW, Voodoo PC, and Hypersonic PC, may be famous for their pc's but cost almost twice as much, configured with the same components. If the support was better, and they tweaked like Alienware, this PC would be (and I think it is) the best valued performance PC in the US.
